My father, Pete Beck, Jr., taught me a lot over the 69 years of my life he was with us through teaching, correction, and example. The last three things he taught me came by example. I hope I will be able to follow in his footsteps in each of these three areas.
Live Fearlessly
Dad had weak lungs. Over his lifetime, I believe he had pneumonia three or four times. It seemed that 
whenever he caught a cold, it would end up in bronchitis. Many thought he would die at a much younger age, but he proved them wrong.
Near the end of his life, he was diagnosed with mild COPD. In addition, for the last year or so, he suffered from a bone marrow condition that lowered his hemoglobin levels. It was simply a by-product of being 93. He had just suffered a mild stroke and survived carotid artery surgery. He was still on a mild form of an anti-cancer drug, which lowered his immunity still more.
This combination of co-morbidities might incline some to “hole up” for the duration of Covid, but he and my Mom refused to live in fear. They did not foolishly expose themselves, but they continued to attend our small group meetings and other gatherings for his last two years and even hosted events in their home occasionally. God kept them from that virus until it finally came knocking. Even near the end, he exhibited no fear. He kept his sense of humor and faith in God.
He lived as he died – fearlessly by faith.
Have the Courage of Your Convictions
Over the last two years, Dad and Mom thoroughly researched Covid and possible treatments. They decided in advance how they wanted to be treated, which went against the prevailing medical opinion. When Dad contracted the virus, he stuck to his convictions, even when his condition deteriorated. I do not believe he ever wavered.
This was impressive to me and taught me another great lesson – live out your convictions without wavering.
King David wrote in the Psalms:
I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. 3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! Psalm 63:2-3 (NLT)
There are some things better than life, one of which is to live by courageous faith.
Is there any other kind?
The Bible says that some overcome sickness and death by faith, while others die in faith, never receiving in this life that for which they believed. (Hebrews 11:13-16)
Faith brings glory to God, whether we receive in this life that for which we believe. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Dad died in faith. I heard him testify that he was still trusting in God to heal him even when he was so weak he could hardly lift his head or turn himself in bed. I think that brought glory to God. When we continue to trust in the goodness of God despite everything going against us, it is a wonderful thing.
Die Well
Dad endured his sickness with grace, dignity, and without complaint. At the end he exhibited the same peace and faith he showed in life.
He was a good example of how to die well.
The Bible says that Jesus endured death to set all of us free from the fear of it.
Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. 15 Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. Hebrews 2:14-15 (NLT)
All of us will die one day, unless Jesus returns first. God wants us to die in a way that brings glory to him and courage to others. Our actions speak louder than words. May God give us all grace to die well.
While he lived, Dad taught us to live fearlessly and courageously by faith, and he also showed us how to die. These are some of the greatest things he ever taught me.
